Manchester City midfielder Rodri has raised concerns over too much workload on the players and has suggested that players are ‘close’ to a strike.
The Spaniard conceded that the insufficient rest between games and seasons is causing concern among top players, and revealed that the demanding schedule is a growing topic of discussion in the dressing room. Rodri featured in 63 games for both club and country last season, with the campaign extending until the Euro 2024 final on July 14.
When asked about if the players will be forced to go on a strike, Rodri replied: “I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand. I think it’s something general. I think if you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever.
“I think it’s the general opinion of the players. And if it remains this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think but let’s see. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.” he added.
The 28-year-old’s remarks follow similar concerns voiced by Liverpool’s Alisson, who spoke out about the increasingly demanding fixture list just a day earlier.
The number of games is only expected to rise this season with the revamped format of the Champions League which will see clubs play 8 matches in the group stage instead of 6. Further, the new format of the FIFA Club World Cup will see 32 clubs participating, which will further add to the workload on the players. Players competing in the Champions League and Club World Cup might end up playing as many as 85 games this season.
“I don’t have a precise figure,” Rodri said. “Based on my experience, 60-70 games in a season? No. Between 40 and 50 is the range in which a player can maintain peak performance. Beyond that, it becomes impossible to sustain such a high physical level.
“This year, we could reach 70 or even 80 games, depending on how far we advance in the competitions. In my humble opinion, I believe it is too much.”
The Euro 2024 winner has averaged more than 50 appearances since joining Manchester City in 2019 and has become one of the most influential figures on and off the pitch in Pep Guardiola’s side. He has also been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or following his role in guiding City to a fourth consecutive Premier League title and leading Spain to triumph at Euro 2024.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
